Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Pleasanton, CA: $130,450 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Pleasanton, CA earns a median $130,450/year (≈ $62.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Pleasanton's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $115,340 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Pleasanton, California, the compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists reflects both local demand and specialized skill sets. With a projected median annual salary of $130,450 for 2026, which is notably higher than the national figure of $100,283, the financial incentives are undeniable for those in this field. Salary estimates indicate a range from $93,412 at the 10th percentile to $174,336 at the 90th percentile, making the field quite lucrative. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price differences, illustrate the robust job market for MRI technologists in the area. As the healthcare sector continues to expand in Pleasanton, a focus on specialized imaging services has created a competitive environment that benefits these essential professionals.
About the Pleasanton Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,412 | $44.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,212 | $52.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $130,450 | $62.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $146,208 | $70.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $174,336 | $83.81 |
Median Salary Position
30.08% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pleasanton
In Pleasanton, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $80,924 (2026 est.). At $130,450, the local median is 30.08% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pleasanton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pleasanton Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Pleasanton median: $130,450/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pleasanton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,287 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | +30.08% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Pleasanton, CA earn a median of $130,450 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.08% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.90% above the California state average of $129,287.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pleasanton has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pleasanton, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $130,450 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $115,340 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$95,494
2025 BLS Actual
$124,203
2026 Current Est.
$130,450
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Pleasanton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $95,494 | Actual |
| 2020 | $97,159 | Actual |
| 2021 | $100,632 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,183 | Actual |
| 2023 | $108,931 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,676 | Actual |
| 2025 | $124,203 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $130,450 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,012 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pleasanton metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $95,494 (2019) to $124,203 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,012 by 2027 — a total increase of $41,518 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pleasanton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.03% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $93,412 – $109,212 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,212 – $130,450 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $130,450 – $146,208 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $146,208 – $174,336 |
MRI Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Job Market in Pleasanton
The local job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is relatively small, with 16 professionals currently employed. Despite this limited workforce, the cost of living in Pleasanton, indexed at 113.1, significantly impacts take-home purchasing power. Employers such as hospital imaging departments and specialized outpatient MRI centers tend to provide the highest salaries in the area. Factors that contribute to the earnings variability include subspecialty training—cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI being particularly in demand—shift differentials for night and weekend work, and travel MRI positions that often command higher pay. MRI technologists aiming to maximize their compensation in this market should consider pursuing additional certifications like MRSO, engaging in calls for trauma care, and seeking opportunities in high-demand subspecialties. Understanding these nuances can enhance their earning potential while navigating the job opportunities available in Pleasanton, CA.
More salary data for Pleasanton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Pleasanton, CA in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Pleasanton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Pleasanton?
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Written by Carmen Torres, R.T. (R)(MR)
Career Analyst
Carmen has 10 years of experience as an MRI technologist. She specializes in pediatric imaging at a regional hospital. Carmen contributes to various industry publications.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $124,203 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Pleasanton metropolitan area. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pleasanton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.03%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for magnetic resonance imaging technologists (SOC 29-2035).
Compiled and verified by Carmen Torres, R.T. (R)(MR), a licensed magnetic resonance imaging technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov